Developers are looking to invest in projects that make a measurable difference in environmental, social, and governance terms. Some amenities conversations will be driven by a desire to impact the social equity of communities, introducing elements such as healthy food grocers. Emphasis on universal design will tick upwards, going beyond baseline ADA requirements to maximize ease of use for all ages, sizes, and abilities. Alternative construction methods will also be on the table. Mass timber offers a highly renewable resource that removes carbon from the atmosphere. The combination of fire resistance, structural integrity, and environmental attributes makes new wood buildings an attractive option.

Even when workers are not present, office buildings should be contributing to their surrounding neighborhoods. Their ground levels will become the anchors of the 20-minute city. Community-oriented programs like health centers, libraries, coworking spaces, and classrooms can serve both building tenants and neighbors at different times, keeping the space activated for at least 18 hours per day. The future office will also be site-specific, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the local climate. Wherever possible, the integration of greenery with building skins and balconies will become more common. The use of regional design languages and locally sourced materials will bolster authenticity.

The office building is no longer just a container for workers; it will become less important to maximize density. As we adapt to a hybrid lifestyle where the workforce is split between the office and home, the role of the workplace will be to strengthen relationships, teach others, and build community, culture, and purpose. Since tenants feel safer and healthier outdoors, they will want their workplaces to offer easy connections to outdoor space. Articulated terraces and balconies along with interconnecting outdoor stairs will offer cohesive new social experiences. Rather than open-plan floors, the future office will be “open section,” providing multilevel settings where views, movements, and ideas are not constrained by walls and windows.